Hello, summer! Whether it’s adventure, fun, or just a reason to enjoy the outdoors, all these activities or spaces are supported or funded by the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, so you can make the most of summer the local way!
1. Find your game!
Looking for ways to keep the kids active, enjoy free family fun, and try something new – all outdoors? Out and About has you covered.
Some activities to look forward to:
- kayak with outdoor experience
- join community fitness - D65
- tackle pop up obstacle courses CLM
- celebrate culture with pop up play - Pasifika Play
Check the Out & About Facebook for the full lineup, dates, times, and locations.
2. Ōtāhuhu outdoors: five top local parks
Murphy Park
Looking for a spot to stretch out, kick a ball, or let the kids burn off energy? This park has open fields, shady trees, a playground, fitness gear, picnic tables, and toilets on the Avenue Road side. Just wander in from Church Street or Avenue Road and enjoy.
Sturges Park
Sturges Park has that cool crater-like layout Ōtāhuhu locals know well. Shady mature trees and a network of paths link car parks and entrances. With fitness gear, a basketball court, toilets, and car parks on Awa, Nikau, Māngere, and Fort Richard Roads, it’s an easy spot for a free day out.
Ōtāhuhu / Mt Richmond
This large park is full of surprises. Shady trees line the loop, leading into Ben Henham Park with a playground and toilets. Stick to the sealed track for pushchair access. The Tūpuna Maunga Authority has added a new māra hūpara / playground.
Fairburn Reserve
With the pool and leisure centre (comes complete with a splash pad), playground, picnic tables, basketball court, community garden, drinking foundation, and library, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained! Easily accessible from Mason or Hall Avenue, it’s a fantastic day out.
If you’re after views, this park has the Tamaki Estuary as its backdrop. Kids can tackle the playground, while adults relax with a picnic or stroll the flat loop paths. With sports fields, shady spots, toilets, parking off Brady Road, and off-leash dog areas, it’s a perfect spot to linger and enjoy the outdoors.
3. Adventure, just around the corner
For a panoramic adventure, climb the maunga, explore heritage trails, spot historic kūmara pits, let the kids play at the māra hūpara/playground, wander the mara kai/gardens, and enjoy a picnic - ideal for a morning hike or a full day of family fun.
Ngā Hau Māngere
This spot’s perfect for a quick play that turns into a full day out: the playground keeps kids busy, basketball and volleyball courts entertain teens and adults, and the new fitness station gets everyone moving. With open lawns, toilets, and a shaded picnic area, it’s a top outdoor hangout!
4. Favourite local walks
- Kiwi Esplanade Walkway Wander along the Manukau Harbour coastline, check out Māngere Bridge’s waterfront, spot lava flows, and finish at Ambury Regional Park.
- Mt Richmond Path This peaceful, off-the-beaten-track walk is perfect for a gentle adventure, some fresh-air exercise, or simply enjoying nature with family.
- Māngere Lagoon / Foreshore Walk This flat, waterside trail is perfect for all ages. Spot birds, enjoy harbour views, and make the most of free outdoor fun.
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